Quinton Smith Ona Wilson, left, and Faith Smallwood sit on the lap of Santa Claus (also known locally as Charles Reed) during Saturday’s annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club and Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program.

The holiday season starts crackling like a Yule log this weekend. From Yachats to Seal Rock to Waldport, local events — free to enjoy and all family-friendly — begin Saturday.

One of the more traditional attractions is “Breakfast with Santa,” returning to the Yachats Lions Club Hall for the first time since 2019. The free pancake breakfast (although donations are welcome) benefits the work of Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, the nonprofit that provides pre- and after-school children’s programs, summer camps and family activities. The jolly old elf himself will preside over the fun from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Hall, 344 Fourth St.

“We’re excited to be back at the Lions Hall,” said YYFAP executive director Patricia Hettinger. “All are welcome, and we expect a big crowd.”

To accommodate the anticipated turnout, attendees are asked to consider arriving for one of three time slots: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 9:30-10:30 a.m., or 10:30-11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and eggs, plus coffee, juice, milk and water.

Each child who visits with Santa will receive a wrapped gift. There will also be a crafts table where children can make a Santa hat. Working the event will be Lions Club members, as well as students from Angell Job Corps, YYFAP staff and volunteers.

“Breakfast with Santa” is a tradition of some 12 years standing in Yachats. The pandemic forced a cancellation in 2020; in 2021, a modified version of the fundraiser took place at the Commons.